The leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have had a “constructive meeting” this evening – without agreeing on a date for the next election.

Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin met for around an hour this evening amid ongoing speculation over when the next election might be held.

This afternoon Mr Varadkar refused to rule out calling an election before the Dáil reconvenes next week.

Fianna Fáil has previously said it wants an April date; however, Mr Varadkar has said he would prefer a date in May.

The results of the recent by-elections mean the Government is no longer assured of winning key votes – even if Fianna Fáil continues to abstain.

That situation has led Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to call for a date to be set in order to provide certainty in Leinster House.

In a statement after tonight’s meeting, a Fine Gael spokesperson said the two leaders discussed the Dáil arithmetic and the potential legislation that could be passed if there is another Dáil term.

They agreed to “consider matters” and meet again next week.